Read five facts about the Kaimanawas from Taming the Wild by Kelly Wilson!
- The Kaimanawa horse developed from Exmoor and Welsh Mountain pony breeds that were released into the wild in the 1870s. These ponies were imported on sailing ships and were a big part of early settler life. As years went on, other horses escaped or were let loose in the area, contributing to what we now call the Kaimanawa.
- Kaimanawa horses today have the highest amount of genetic similarity with the Thoroughbred and other Thoroughbred cross breeds. Arab, Standardbred and Clydesdale characteristics can also be seen in certain herds.
- There is wide variation within the breed in appearance and impression, but in general they are well-muscled and between 12 and 15.2 hands high.
- Wild Kaimanawas can be found in the central North Island Waiouru Military Training Area in New Zealand. They get their name from the Kaimanawa Ranges.
- The number of wild Kaimanawa horses is kept to around 300. This is done with musters every two years. Without the musters, the landscape wouldn’t be able to support a greater population of wild horses.
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